Hycamtin intravenous

Topotecan may cause very serious (possibly fatal) blood disorders (decreased bone marrow function leading to low number of blood cells such as white cells, red cells, and platelets). This effect can decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, cause your body to bruise or bleed easier, or cause anemia. Tell your doctor if you develop any of the following conditions: signs of an infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.

You will be closely monitored (e.g., with frequent blood tests) by your doctor while using this medication. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.

Uses

This medication is used to treat cancer of the ovaries or lungs when other treatments have not been successful. It is also used with another medication (cisplatin) to treat cancer of the cervix.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to treat other types of cancer (such as bone cancer).

How to use Hycamtin intravenous

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, laboratory tests, and response to treatment.

If this medication comes into contact with your skin, wash the skin immediately and completely with soap and water. If this medication gets into your eyes, mouth, or nose, flush completely with plenty of water. Consult your doctor for more information.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pain/redness/bruising at injection site, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, lung problems (such as cough, shortness of breath).

Precautions

Before using topotecan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain immune system problem (neutropenia).

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured, use caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Use of reliable forms of birth control applies to female patients as well as male patients and their female partner since this medication may damage sperm.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: phenytoin.

Avoid eating foods or taking products containing tumeric (curcumin) while being treated with topotecan. It may decrease this medication's effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, ANC, kidney/liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised August 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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